The Environmental Health Section (EHS) of the Chemung County Health Department is responsible for conducting environmental site evaluations at locations occupied by children with elevated blood lead levels. Sampling for lead is conducted at the property to determine if a condition conducive to lead poisoning exists. When it is determined that a condition conducive to lead poisoning exists, a Notice and Demand will be issued to the owner of the property or to the person responsible for maintenance of the property to abate the situation.

EHS works closely with the Patient Services Section of the Chemung County Health Department with regard to children's blood lead levels. The amount of lead detected in a child's blood will dictate how quickly an environmental investigation must occur. A very high level will dictate a very quick response.

The New York State Department of Health maintains a comprehensive website with many resources. To go the the NYSDOH website, click HERE.

REGULATIONS:

There are 2 regulations that relate to lead poisoning prevention.

The first is NYS Public Health Law, Title 10, Article 13 entitled "Control of Lead Poisoning". To download a copy of the text of the law, click HERE.

The second regulation is Part 67 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules, and Regulations Title X. Subpart 67-1 covers "Screening & Follow-Up", Subpart 67-2 deals with "Environmental Assessment & Abatement" , and Subpart 67-3 covers "Reporting of Blood Lead Levels". To download a copy of the text of the rule, click HERE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed a brochure entitled "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home". EHS has a limited number of copies of that brochure. However, you can download a copy of that brochure by clicking HERE.

Another pamphlet that is very informative is entitled "What Homeowners Need To Know About Removing Lead-Based Paint". EHS has a limited number of copies of that pamphlet. However, you can download a copy of that pamphlet by clicking HERE.

The EPA, HUD, the Ad Council, and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning have collaborated and developed a website called LeadFreeKids.org dedicated to educating the public on how to protect your kids, protect your pregnancy and protect your home from the hazards of lead. To visit that website click HERE.

For more information on the EHS Program for lead poisoning prevention, you can contact EHS at (607) 737-2019.

NEW REGULATIONS TAKE EFFECT....... The U.S. E.P.A. has created a new regulation for Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) that took effect April 22, 2010. While the County will not enforce this new regulation, we feel that it is important to at least provide some resources to inform the public about it. There are two documents published by the EPA to help explain the new law. You can click on the following titles to download the document. The first one is Renovate Right and the second one is Small Entity Compliance Guide To Renovate Right. Also, if you are a contractor and would like more information on getting certified to perform RRP work, you can go to the EPA web site by clicking HERE.

CLICK ON LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LEAD POISONING PREVENTION